How to Euthanize a Fish With Clove Oil & Vodka

If you have a sick fish that isn't improving with treatment, one way to humanely end its suffering is with vodka and clove oil. You can buy clove oil at pharmacies, where it is sold as a topical anesthetic for toothache and canker sores. Vodka is sold at stores that sell hard liquor. When used correctly, this mixture will cause the fish to go to sleep and die peacefully.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish net
  • Container
  • Small jar
  • Clove oil
  • Vodka
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Instructions

    • 1

      Scoop the sick fish out of the tank with a net, and place it in a smaller container along with some tank water.

    • 2

      Dip some of the water out with a small jar. Add a few drops of clove oil to the water and swirl it around.

    • 3

      Pour the water mixed with clove oil into the sick fish's container. Wait until the fish sinks to the bottom of the container. It may take a few minutes.

    • 4

      Pour vodka into the fish's container. The ratio of water to vodka should be approximately 5-to-1.

    • 5

      Wait about 20 minutes then check on the sick fish to make sure the gills have stopped moving. If there is still movement in the fish's gills, add more vodka to the water.